The Agile Transformation Journey: A Quick Introduction

Before you can be Agile, you must know what Agile is. It is first, a way of thinking, based on a set of values and principles. Agile thinking is supported by a group of software development frameworks and tools focused on iterative delivery, where requirements and solutions evolve through collaboration between self-organizing, cross functional teams.

Vision for Change

Have a compelling reason to change. From the word go, leadership should clearly set the destination and define an end-state vision. Share how the IT organization and business partners will benefit from such a transformation. Identify some immediate, tangible wins that the business, IT organization, and other key stakeholders will see value in and can relate to how it will impact them positively. Your teams will have an easier time aligning with the transformation and will be less likely to resist change.

The Agile Journey

Training will take place, but as important as training is, coaching well into the transformation is equally as important. An organization may assume that a 2-day course may make their teams experts, but it takes more to become efficient. The issue that arises with transitioning is that teams are given a new process and new way of thinking and told: “Ok, now go!”. Agile is more than thinking in a new way with shiny new tools, it should be a cultural shift. Teams need a collaborative work space that supports interaction. More so than being taught a new process, adopting Agile should be about creating the conditions for it to thrive. Teams transitioning into an Agile environment will need to step outside of their comfort zone. There will be new tools, processes, and apprehension. Someone who is new may fear taking a misstep in this scary, unfamiliar world. Leaders should allow for some steps backward and provide “air support” while encouraging teams to fail fast and to use these experiences as learning opportunities.

Your Agile transformation is a journey that will not come to conclusion in a quarter, or two. It will be an ongoing development that calls for involvement by an entire organization. The change will have far reaching impacts into your organization’s structure, tools, processes, and culture.

Do you want to learn more about the Agile Transformation Journey? Contact me today and we can continue the conversation: pwilliams@digineer.com